Biographies Michigan Biographies Project |
After the termination of his office as Auditor General he took up his residence in the city of Detroit and there engaged in the flour and feed business for two years, at the expiration of which time he went to Chicago and established a commercial college for young men. He continued in the management of this institution for some years, when he finally sold out and returned to New York city and there remained until 1867, being engaged with a son in the brokerage business. It was in this year he again returned Michigan, removing to Battle Creek, where he was made Postmaster, which office he held until his death.
The early boyhood and youth of our subject was spent in Michigan and he received his education in the schools of Detroit. At a very early age, he became identified in his father's office at thetime he was Auditor General, as a clerk, and he remained in that capacity for several years. In 1851, he was united in marriage to Miss Eugenia Thomas, a daughter of John Thomas, an old pioneer resident of Lansing. Mrs. Bell was a native resident of the Empire State and was a child of but three years when she accompanied her parents to this State. At the age of fourteen she became a resident of Lansing and there became a student in the young ladies' school, an educational institution which was capably conducted by a Miss Jones.
Unto our subject and his wife were born three children, all are deceased, the eldest, Louis E., a young man of more than ordinary accomplishments, possessing a splendid voice, died in 1884 in Italy; the sceond, J. W., died in 1900 in the City of Detroit; the third, Digby V., departed this life in the City of Lansing, in 1896. He had married Miss Rose K. McKensey, and unto them were born two children, Louis Eugene and Lawrence V.
At the breaking out of the Civil War Mr. Bell offered his services to his country, by enlisting in the 24th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, in which he was made Quartermaster with the rank of First Liertenant. He saw three years' active service, being engaged in a number of important battles, chief among them being that of Gettysburg, where he showed great bravery by carrying provisions to his comrades in arms during that memorable engagement. Serving three years, he resigned his commission, was honorably discharged and returned home.
Mr. Bell took an active interest in politics, using his vote and influence towards the promotion of the Republican party. For four years he served as Deputy Collector of Customs and then for ten years at the head of this office. He was an efficient and faithful officer, both in his civil and soldier duties.
This worthy man departed this life at his home in Detroit in 1891, honored and respected by all who knew him. The strong traits of his character were such as to endear him to all with whom he came in contact. He was a man of broad humanitarian principles and the deserving poor always found iin him a friend. He gave generously for the public good, was faithful in friendship, devoted to his family and stod as a representative of the highest type of American manhood.
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Biographies Michigan Biographies Project |
 Sondra Higbee
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